Racquet Club's Stadium Court to feature new look for next month's U.S. National Indoor

When longtime fans of the U.S. National Indoor, the professional tennis tour's annual stop in Memphis, reconvene at The Racquet Club next month, they'll instantly notice an omission from the facility's Stadium Court.

And, no, it won't be the absence of American Andy Roddick, a fixture at the event for the past 12 years. Roddick, a three-time Memphis champion, retired last fall.

Missing will be the wooden bleachers behind the north and south sidelines, seating that existed for more than 30 years and accommodated patrons watching tennis greats from Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl to Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Roddick win titles at the East Memphis facility. The bleachers have been removed and will be replaced by chair-back seats that have been used in the sections behind the east and west baselines.

The upgrade in seating is part of several renovations for this year's tournament, the 39th consecutive men's pro event at The Racquet Club. In addition to those changes, new club seating, with standing-room options, will be sold in the upper section behind the west baseline. The six club boxes will include food and beverage options.

"We are always trying to enhance the fans' experience," said Peter Lebedevs, the U.S. Indoor tournament director.

Tournament officials said six club boxes will be available for this year's Indoor, which runs Feb. 16-24 and includes 16 sessions. An accompanying women's tournament will start with main-draw matches Feb. 17. Men's main-draw action begins Feb. 18. American John Isner and two-time runner-up Milos Raonic will be among the top-seeded men.

"It will be a different look inside the Stadium with the (club boxes) and the chair-back seating all around," Lebedevs said. "When people walk in they'll notice the changes."

Lebedevs said the new seating won't affect capacity of the Stadium Court, which will remain 5,000.

The latest upgrades follow the addition last year of the Hawk-Eye instant replay video system, which allows players to challenge lines calls, and concession stands in four corners of the stadium. Another subtle change — for the participants' benefit — will have seating on all sides moved back six feet to give players more room to chase sharp-angled volleys and deep top-spin lobs. Lebedevs said there also will be several special events, including a College Night with student pricing and a Sunday Jazz Brunch.

Maggie Hicks, the U.S. Indoor ticket manager, said the new club boxes will cost $2,500 for the week and include four seats. If the boxes are a success, Lebedevs said there's a possibility of adding some on the east side following this year's tournament.

"Everyone is going to club-lounge areas (in sports arenas)," Lebedevs said. "And fans want to have a different experience. We are working on that experience."